Today we are meeting with a couple other doctors (oncologists) for a second opinion. To date, we have spoken with 1 oncologist and 2 thoracic surgeons in the IU Medical network. The second surgeon, Ken Kesler, came highly recommended from Roger's sister's doctor who performed her surgery 20 some months ago.

Our research and the recommendations to date have recommended chemo/radiation, then surgery, then chemo/radiation. We had hopes that the surgery could be performed laproscopically. According to this Ken Kesler that does not appear to be an option. The technical limitations have to do with removing a "clear field of the tissue/organ" (esophagus) above the last site of cancer. In this case, it would be the lymph nodes. The surgeon believes the best way to remove this tissue, and the lymph nodes is through 2-3 large incisions as previously described in this blog. He emphasized that it would be the best way for the surgeon to reattach the stomach/remaining esophagus/throat to prevent any future complications due to leakage, etc.

If the cancer had not spread to the lymph nodes, then Roger would have been a candidate for lesser invasive procedures. This doctor indicated that Roger's cancer was unique in that the cancer is so early and yet has spread to some of the local lymph nodes. He further indicated if Roger did the recommended treatment, chemoradiation/surgery/chemoradiation that he should have a long-term cure-rate of 60%-80%...much better odds than we have seen in our previous research. Kesler suggested that we get started with chemoradation as quickly as possible and then later make our decision about the surgery.

This is such a big decision, we want to make sure we make the right one...that gets us to "cure" (as much as possible) while being as minimally invasive (painful) for Roger.

This is an incredibly difficult process. We'll see what the doctors say today. We have one other surgeon lined up for possible consult next week within the St. Vincent's hospital network.

Will write more later this evening after we have a 2nd opinion.